Inter-Counties Cross Country 2021: Lloyd Park, Croydon

Three junior Spartans endurance runners were selected to run for Hampshire in the South East England Inter-Counties cross country race at Lloyd park in Croydon in December. The course was marked early so the athletes had plenty of time to walk the particularly muddy, wet and hilly course.

Weather conditions were perfect for a good race that saw Isla Hall up first representing U13 girls. Each of the teams consisted of 8 athletes with the first four team members to score. Isla had a difficult start and was unable to lead which is her preferred method of racing and worked hard to get through to the front pack. Isla managed storm all the way into fifth place overall and help secure a bronze team medal for Hampshire.

Bradley Andrews-Callec was up next representing Hampshire in the U15 boys race. The Hampshire team had a good position in the centre of the field which allowed Bradley a superb start in amongst the 80 other athletes. Bradley led the race with 5 other boys who dominated from the beginning. Bradley held his position comfortably in the front pack all the way around a challenging course and finished overall in second place earning himself an individual silver medal. The boys Hampshire team all finished in strong positions and finished first overall.

Our final athlete, Casper Whitewood, was representing the under 17 men’s team. Casper had only recently recovered from an illness which affected him quite significantly during the race. Casper did well to finish the course despite not being in the best physical form.

The athletes all gained valuable experience from this higher level competition and are really looking forward to continuing their individual successes in the new year.